2011 Ride Contraband bandita

Year: 2011
Brand: Ride
Model: Contraband bandita
Size: M
My Setup: Regular +15 -15

Strengths: Bindings have come along way since my first snowboarding experience 12 years ago, gone are the step in and the boots with in built highbacks, thanks god for progress. The Ride Contraband Banditas are the female version of the Ride contrabands which were introduced to the French market in 08/09, with the womens arriving 09/10. The bindings STRENGTHS include the ease at which they are on and off, perfectly designed for park riders who are lapping the park all day, (i am guilty of this pleasure). The ankle strap is cushioned and secure, really keeping the foot in place and the bindings have a very responsive high back, quite a bit of flex in them but solid at the same time. Although the bindings may look like they are aimed at the park rider they are awesome for all mountain riding, and are strong enough to charge around the hill all day too.
Weaknesses: Weaknesses of these bindings is the setting up, I found that you really do need two people as the binding fits to the boot, and you need to be in the boot and have it fastened like you were going riding so the exact fit can be achieved. There are several setting points, but once you have everything in place you need not worry about them for the season. Another weakness was that the mens version has a v-cage, it covers the toe area, the mens version had it this year and last I believe. Although give Ride credit it looks like the 2012 womens model has the cage .

Would you buy this again? yes